Running the Race

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12: 1-2

I was on the junior high girls’ track team when I was in 7th and 8th grades in Beavercreek, Ohio. I was a short distance runner, competing in the 220-meter dash as well as the 880-meter relay. Alas, I pretty much peaked there in junior high, sports-wise, but I’m okay with that.

I recall one time, early in my track career when both my parents came to one of my track meets (normally my dad couldn’t make them because of work conflicts), when I slowed down in the middle of a 220-meter race to wave at my parents. I was distracted by my dad’s uniformed-presence as I was running the race, so when I ran by where they were sitting, I broke my stride and waved to them.  Needless to say, I did not win that race (nor many others, come to think of it. I’m self-aware enough to know of my lack of athletic abilities). Though no one really made a big deal out of it at the time, I recall receiving a “distracted runner” award at the end-of-year awards banquet.

That story came to mind as I was reading Hebrews 12. The author of Hebrews had identified honorees in the proverbial “Hall of Faith” passage that is Hebrews 11, and continues the emphasis on faith in chapter 12. He uses the running of a race as a metaphor for our spiritual journey in this world. The Greek word for ‘race’ used here is agona, from which we get the word ‘agony’ or struggle. The author tells us to overcome those things in our lives that would hinder us—sin and other weights or distractions—and looking to Jesus, run the race in faith. Jesus gives us the strength we need to persevere in our conditions. Jesus gives us the promise of hope, as we realize all that He has done for us, and for the fact that what He has done has settled everything for us. He is now seated at the right at of God at the throne. The fact that He is seated indicates the finality of His actions—as Redeemer, as High Priest, and because of what He has done and Who He is, we draw our strength from Him, and from Him alone.

I read a story that a man shared about the dog he had when he was a boy. He shared that his father would occasionally test the dog’s obedience. He would place a tempting piece of meat on the floor and give the command, “No!” The dog, who must have had a strong urge to go for the meat, was now in a conundrum—does he obey or disobey his master’s command? The man shared that the dog never looked at the meat. He seemed to feel that if he did, the temptation to disobey would be too great. So he looked steadily at his father’s face. This man then made the spiritual application: “there is a lesson for us all. Always look up to the Master’s face.”

Prayer Requests

·      For the victims of unspeakable violence and loss

·      For those who have not yet found Jesus – that we may be an instrument by which they see Him

·      Praise for His providence and provision

·      For our obedience

Even when we can’t see the finish line, or heck, even the running path we’re on because of the hilly terrain or fog or other conditions, we know that the Holy Spirit is with us, and He points us to Jesus, the author (creator) and finisher (sustainer) of our faith. And realize also that the author of Hebrews bids the reader “let us run…”—not “let you run” or “you must run”. No—“let us run”, emphasizing the fact that this is not a singular race, run by only you or by me. We are on this journey together.  Charles Spurgeon on this point: “He stands with us at the starting point, and earnestly says to us, not ‘Run’ but, ‘Let us run.’ The apostle himself is at our side as a runner.”

 Quotes

“Faith doesn’t exempt us from difficulties. The storms of life come to every person. But God will not allow a storm unless He has a divine purpose in it.”      

“God does not want you to try harder; He wants you to trust Him deeper. Stop trying. Start trusting. This will change everything in you.”